To create “sunset eyes,” use gradients of eye shadow from dark to light.

To create “sunset eyes,” use gradients of eye shadow from dark to light.

Photo: Contributed Photos

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Bold berry lips are on trend for fall.

Bold berry lips are on trend for fall.

Photo: Contributed Photo

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Fall makeup trends are daring, yet subtle

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I have a love affair with fall. I grew up in Arizona so fall was more of an idea rather than reality. Now in Connecticut, I get to enjoy the crisp air and gorgeous new beauty trends that seem to work much better when you’re bundled in oversized sweaters and wearing OTK boots.

Beauty mavens know fall makeup trends are a little more daring than other seasons. Yes, there are some expected trends, but for the most part, they allow for a little more room to play and push us to try something new. Nobody really bats an eye if the lipstick is too red or the liner is a little smudged. Because if you think about it, makeup can get a bad rep — obvious amounts anyway. When a woman pulls out her compact to fix her lipstick, or spends more than 30 minutes getting ready, words like vain and high-maintenance get thrown around.

With fall, all bets are off. Taking a cue from the runway, I saw makeup divided into two categories: fresh and clean, and dark and daring. Not much middle ground for us everyday people so I chose the trends anyone can pull off and added ways to make them more wearable for every day.

Glowing skin

Skin is in and this season it’s all about using lightweight, sheer formulas that let your skin breathe and enhance your natural beauty. Looking hydrated and healthy during the cold weather is a must and beauty products that blur the lines between makeup and skincare are becoming more popular.

Wearable tip: Apply a sheer layer first then go back and dab more of the product where needed. This way your skin doesn’t lose its glow and the look is still natural and effortless. If you want to take it a step further, apply the product with a damp beauty sponge.

Berry lips with flushed cheeks

Crimson lips have always been a staple during fall, but this season it’s about pairing them with rosy cheeks. The right flush will accentuate any shade of berry lipstick and tie the look together. A standout color in this category was violet. For fall, purplish-blue hues made an unexpected splash on the runway and added some vibrancy to a category normally dominated by deeper tones.

Wearable tip: Keep in mind that because lips will be bold and cheeks highlighted, the eyes need to remain soft and subtle so as to not overdo it. I’d recommend lots of mascara and a simple wash of a warm-toned brown or simple eyeliner to define the eyes. Remember to keep the undertones the same so the colors don’t clash.

Bold eyes

Metallics, yellows and graphic eyeliner showed up in a big way on the runway, and designers played up lashes and fun liner shapes to showcase the femme movement. The idea was to display a strong makeup look to correspond with strong women walking the shows and make a clear statement that girl power is here to stay.

Wearable tip: Whichever bold eye look you choose, let it take the lead. Metallics are a beautiful way to create sultry looks without trying too hard. The great thing about metallics is they work for multiple eye colors and can create the appearance of a difficult eye look when really it took you less than a minute to achieve. I’d recommend this look for nights out and try a fun pastel shade for the day. We tend to be scared of pinks and mustards, but both are great shades that are surprisingly easy and fun to wear.

“Popsicle” lips

We couldn’t get enough of this summer trend and now it’s becoming a fall must-try. I like to call it the “anti-fall” trend because it’s a soft, glossy take on a childhood memory we all have — enjoying a Popsicle and having it stain your lips with most of the color concentrated in the center. The look can be done matte, too, but I prefer the gloss for a more natural take. Popular colors include soft pinks and mauve tones.

Wearable tip: P
ick a shade similar to your natural lip color. Focus on the center of your lips, then with two fingers dab and blend. The more blending you do, the better the look will turn out.

Gradient warm eyes

Otherwise known as “sunset eyes,” warm tones are huge this fall. Think of all the shades normally reserved for lips and use them as a guide for this playful look.

Wearable tip: To create a real sunset feel, start with a light warm-toned brown along the crease of your lid. Depending on how dark you want to to, start with a light berry shade followed by a deeper color in the same family. If you want it more “smoky,” put the deepest shade only on the outside corners and blend, blend, blend.